Friends cast was ‘suspicious’ Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer were dating, according to producer

Without a doubt, one of the most fun feelings when you’re obsessed with a TV show is when the actors fall in love and start dating in real life. It’s just confirmation that what we’re seeing on our screens is genuine, at least in their true feelings for one another. Fans still love True Blood‘s Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer’s relationship, and people were thrilled to learn Stranger Things stars Natalia Dyer and Charlie Heaton were an item.

And what about the always-popular sitcom Friends? Some of the relationships on the show are still regarded as some of the best in TV history, including Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston). Fans were ecstatic to hear during the reunion special in 2021 that the two actors actually did have feelings for each other in real life.

Though this came as a surprise to many viewers, it looks like the cast and crew were all but aware of their budding romance. As reported by US Weekly, Friends producer Kevin S. Bright spoke out about the two actors during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2021, revealing that “everyone” on set believed something was going on between the co-stars:

"“It was a very hot topic on the set because the electricity between them in the scenes was like, ‘Oh, my God, they can’t be acting that, there’s got to be something!’ Everybody was suspicious that something was going on.”"

After they met on the set of Friends, both parties moved on. Aniston was married to Brad Pitt from 2000 to 2005, and then to Justin Theroux from 2015 to 2017. As for Schwimmer, he was married to artist Zoe Buckman from 2010 to 2017. Today, however, it appears they’re both single.

Of course, though, that doesn’t automatically mean they’ll get together. Rumors circulated (and basically broke the internet) this past summer, claiming Aniston and Schwimmer were dating. Soon after, however, both actors shut down the buzz, disappointing Friends fans everywhere. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Aniston laughed off the rumors, calling Schwimmer her “brother.”

It’s not surprising many Friends fans still hold out hope that maybe someday Aniston and Schwimmer will get together, but for now, we’re just happy to learn more about what could’ve been.